Preeclampsia: progress and puzzle.

Abstract

Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. It remains a management challenge despite recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of this condition and its prevention, and it remains a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The hallmarks of preeclampsia are proteinuria and edema in a woman who is hypertensive. Current theories suggest altered prostaglandin synthesis, inappropriate sensitivity to angiotensin II and immunologic factors as etiologies of preeclampsia. Low-dose aspirin therapy and high-dose calcium supplementation show promise in preventing preeclampsia and reducing its severity when it occurs. However, aggressive antenatal maternal and fetal assessment, magnesium sulfate therapy and early delivery are the standards of preeclampsia management.